1. Eligibility

1.1 The competition is open to all composers worldwide, regardless of nationality or age.

2. Submission Guidelines

2.1 Composition: Each participant must submit an original composition written specifically for a single performer who plays the double bass and sings simultaneously.
2.2 Length: The composition should have a duration of approximately five minutes.
2.3 Instrumentation:

• The work must be written for solo double bass (4-string) and coloratura soprano voice (vocal range C3 to G6).

• The piece must be performable by a single musician playing the double bass and singing simultaneously.

• No electronics are allowed.
  2.4 Score Format: Composers may submit scores in either handwritten form or created using notation software.
  2.5 Submission Format:

• Scores must be submitted in PDF format.

• A MIDI recording of the piece is optional.
  2.6 Vocal Text:The vocal part can be set in any language, including contemporary or experimental text, but must be clear and legible for the performer. If using a non-Latin script (e.g., Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic), composers must provide an IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription to ensure accurate pronunciation.
  2.7 Submission Deadline: All compositions must be submitted no later than May 18, 2025.

3. Application Fee

3.1 The application fee is €30 (non-refundable).
3.2 This fee supports administrative costs, professional recording of selected compositions, and overall competition organization.
3.3 Payment can be made via PayPal     (compositionprize.paypal@gmail.com) or bank transfer. Please ask compositionprize@gmail.com for any further information.

4. Selection Process

4.1 Preliminary Selection: Submissions will be reviewed by Paul Cannon and Begüm Aslan to determine a shortlist.
4.2 Jury Panel: The final winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of musicians, including:

• Nabil Shehata (former Principal Bassist, Berliner Philharmoniker; Professor, Barenboim-Said Academy, Conductor)

• Alexandra Scott (Professor, Hochschule für Musik München)

• Paul Cannon (Double Bassist, Ensemble Modern)

• Sophie Lücke (Professor, Hochschule für Musik Lübeck and Solo-Double Bassist of Ensemble Resonanz in Hamburg)

• Professor Dr. Dr. James S. Helgeson (Musicology and Composition, the Dean of the Barenboim-Said Academy)

• Begüm Aslan (Double Bassist and Soprano)

• Nicolas Crosse (Double bassist, Ensemble Intercontemporain; Professor, Conservatoire de Paris)

• Stephen Mulligan ( Composer and Conductor )

5. Prizes

5.1 First Prize: €600 monetary award.
5.2 Additional Recognition: Five additional compositions will be selected as finalists and will receive professional exposure.
5.3 Professional Recording:

• The six selected composers (First Prize winner + five finalists) will have their works professionally recorded by Begüm Aslan, in high-quality audio and video.

• Recordings will be released on streaming platforms.
  5.4 Recording Schedule: All selected works will be recorded between July 2025 and January 2026. Final dates will be determined based on scheduling availability and is open to extend.

• The 6 selected pieces will be added to the repertoire and will be performed by Begüm Aslan at least 3 concerts in the upcoming season.

• The number of prize winners is subject to change if necessary.

6. Rights and Usage

6.1 By submitting a composition, participants grant the competition the right to use the recorded performances for promotional and distribution purposes (e.g., streaming platforms, YouTube, social media).
6.2 The composers retain full ownership of their works, but the competition reserves the right to release, promote, and distribute the recordings.

7. Announcement of Winners

7.1 Winners will be announced at the end of June 2025 on the competition website and social media platforms.
7.2 Winners will be contacted directly and must confirm their participation in the recording process.

8. Submission Process (Anonymous)

8.1 Anonymous Submission:

• All compositions must be submitted via a Google Form, ensuring anonymous evaluation by the jury.

• The Google Form will not request personal identifying information (e.g., name, institution).

• Instead, composers must create a unique 5-character code (letters and numbers) to identify their submission.

8.2 File Submission:

• The composition file (PDF score) must be uploaded via the Google Form.

8.3 Separate Personal Information Form:

• Composers must also complete a separate form with their name, email, and contact details.

• This form will be linked to the unique submission code, but will not be visible to the jury until after the selection process.

9. Important Dates

• Competition Launch: March 10, 2025

• Submission Deadline: May 18, 2025

• Winners Announced: End of June 2025

• Professional Recording Period: July 2025 – January 2026 (subject to possible extensions)

10. Terms and Conditions

10.1 Originality: All submitted works must be original compositions.
10.2 Compliance: Composers must adhere to the rules regarding length, instrumentation, and format. Non-compliant submissions will be disqualified.
10.3 Disqualification: The competition reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not comply with the guidelines or contains inappropriate content.

11. Jury Decision

11.1 The jury’s decisions are final and non-negotiable.
11.2 The selection of winners is based on professional evaluation of the submitted compositions.
11.3 No appeals will be allowed regarding the jury’s decisions.

12. How to Submit

12.1 Submission Portal: Compositions must be submitted via the Google Form (https://forms.gle/wBXyH8W7GywegjN97) linked on our official website.
12.2 Personal Information Form: After submitting the composition, composers must also complete a separate form for their personal details. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BlPta4C3GLdce5xH_XXgGUkhNAKf7KNb/view?usp=sharing)